For the past decade, I have had the profound honor of representing Sandy Hook and Newtown—a community that knows all too well the deep, personal toll of gun violence. Our community’s experience has made it impossible for me to sit idly by while lives continue to be lost to preventable gun violence. This fight is not about political party lines or ideology; it’s about safeguarding our neighborhoods, schools, and places of worship. My commitment to gun violence prevention stems from a clear vision: to protect our community, ensure public safety, and advocate for sensible solutions that respect both security and Second Amendment rights.
In my years of service, I have steadfastly demonstrated leadership by advancing policies that prioritize safety, security, and accountability, all while ensuring that responsible gun ownership is protected. The Second Amendment is a core principle of our Constitution, and I respect the rights of law-abiding citizens to own firearms. But with rights come responsibilities, and it is here where we must work to bridge political divides and forge meaningful change. Gun violence prevention and responsible gun ownership can coexist, but it requires collaboration, compromise, and most importantly, a focus on people over politics.
We live in an era where threats to our schools, churches, synagogues, and other public spaces are becoming all too frequent. I’ve worked hard to lead reforms that toughen penalties for those who make threats against these sacred spaces. These threats are not only criminal but deeply traumatic, creating a ripple effect of fear that impacts students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the broader community. I’ve fought for laws that hold individuals accountable while raising awareness of the mental trauma and consequences of such threats. No one should have to fear for their safety in a classroom or a place of worship. Strengthening penalties for these heinous actions sends a clear message: we will not tolerate threats that terrorize our communities.
But our progress is being hindered by something equally dangerous—misinformation and manipulated facts designed to divide us. The gaslighting of the public by distorting facts or using political labels to twist the truth is deeply damaging. It turns meaningful discussions about gun safety into political warfare, stoking fear and trauma instead of healing wounds. This dangerous tactic dramatically impacts mental health, adding layers of anxiety and division to a conversation that should focus on saving lives. Instead of building understanding, it amplifies fear and deepens the trauma for those already living in the shadow of violence.
This manipulation not only misleads the public but worsens the emotional and mental toll on individuals and communities grappling with gun violence. The constant barrage of politically charged, fear-based rhetoric is not only dishonest but cruel—it exacerbates the very trauma we should be working to alleviate. As leaders, we must reject this dangerous game of politics and instead focus on what truly matters: creating safe, secure communities through balanced policies rooted in facts, compassion, and accountability.
My approach to gun violence prevention has always centered on bringing people together, regardless of political affiliation. Protecting our communities is not a partisan issue; it’s a moral one. The solutions to gun violence must be rooted in cooperation, not conflict. Over the years, I have built a proven record of collaboration with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, finding common ground that leads to meaningful reforms. Together, we have enacted laws that strike a balance—ensuring responsible gun ownership while crafting policies that make our public spaces safer.
It is time we stop letting gun violence prevention be used as a wedge issue. The safety of our children, our teachers, and our communities is too important to be caught in the crossfire of partisan bickering. The gaslighting and manipulation of facts only serve to deepen division and inflict more trauma on communities already suffering from violence. Now, more than ever, we need to practice the theme of “people over politics”. We need to prioritize public safety and find real, workable solutions that protect lives.
Together, we can pass laws that enhance safety without infringing on responsible gun ownership. We can bridge divides, work across party lines, and ensure that our policies reflect the values of compassion, accountability, and protection. This is not just about preventing the next tragedy—it’s about creating a safer, more secure future for us all. Let’s act now. Let’s find the courage to compromise. Let’s put people first.
State Senator Tony Hwang represents the 28th CT State Senate District and is running for re-election in the 2024 election. The district encompasses Fairfield, Easton, Newtown and Bethel.
